Truck bed extender

ABSTRACT

An improved truck bed extender particularly adapted for ease of installation and removal. When not being used to extend the truck bed, the extender is advantageously adapted to quickly and easily create a secondary storage area. In one embodiment, the extender includes a first side wall, a second side wall, a connecting wall, a first mount and a second mount. The connecting wall extends between the first side wall and the second side wall, and cooperates with the first side wall and second side wall to form a generally U-shape frame. The first mount is secured to the first side wall and includes a first interlocking member. The second mount is secured to the second side wall and comprises a second interlocking member. The first interlocking member and the first mounting station on the vehicle and the second interlocking member and the second mounting station on the vehicle cooperate to secure the truck bed extender to the vehicle so that the extender is rotatable about an axis between a first and a second position. In the first position, the connecting wall is in an upright position over the tailgate beyond the rear end of the bed. In the second position, the connecting wall is in an upright position spaced forward from the rear end of the bed and the tailgate.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an improved truck bed extender and, inparticular, to a truck bed extender particularly adapted for ease ofinstallation and removal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pick-up trucks are extremely popular. One of their primary advantages isthe ability to haul loads in the storage bed located behind the cab ofthe vehicle. Unfortunately, often the storage bed is of an undesirableconfiguration for the load being transported. In particular, it is notunusual for the load to be larger than the truck bed, so that thetailgate of the truck needs to be lowered to enable the load toadequately transferred. Unfortunately, this raises the risk that theload will fall out of the back of the truck, or that the load will needto be tied down, taking additional time.

For this reason, various truck bed extenders have been developed. Theseextenders are typically mounted to the truck bed by brackets or hinges.Truck bed extenders often comprise a series of light weight panelsdesigned to be foldable to minimize their impact on storage space whennot in use, as is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,472,639 to Bianchi.Alternatively, the truck bed extenders may comprise strong, butrelatively heavy and nonfoldable units, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 4,778,213 to Palmer. Palmer discloses extended side supports securedto the tailgate by brackets or welding and a supplemental tailgate. Whenthe main tailgate is closed, the supplemental tailgate extends over thetop of the vehicle's storage bed. It is disclosed that a flexiblenetting may be secured to the right and left supports so that thenetting extends in a vertical plane to form a storage box.

There remains, however, a need for an improved truck bed extender.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an improved truck bed extender which isparticularly adapted for ease of installation and removal. When notbeing used to extend the truck bed, the extender is advantageouslyadapted to quickly and easily create a secondary storage area. Anotheraspect of the invention is a method for utilizing a truck bed extender.

One aspect of the invention is a truck bed extender for use with avehicle having an open storage bed having a rear end, a first upstandingside panel to one side of the bed, a second upstanding side panel to anopposite side of the bed, and a tailgate, wherein the first upstandingpanel defines a first mounting station and the second upstanding paneldefines a second mounting station. The extender has a first side wall, asecond side wall, a connecting wall, a first mount and a second mountingmount. The connecting wall extends between the first side wall and thesecond side wall, and cooperates with the first side wall and secondside wall to form a generally U-shaped frame. The first mount is securedto the first side wall and includes a first interlocking member. Thesecond mount is secured to the second side wall and comprising a secondinterlocking member. The first interlocking member and the firstmounting station and the second interlocking member and the secondmounting station cooperate to secure the truck bed extender to thevehicle so that the extender is rotatable about an axis between a firstposition and a second position. In the first position, the connectingwall is in an upright position over the tailgate rearward of the rearend of the bed. In the second position, the connecting wall is in anupright position spaced forward from the rear end of the bed and thetailgate.

Advantageously, the first mounting station comprises a first apertureand the second mounting station comprises a second aperture and thefirst interlocking member is a retractable male member sized and shapedto be received and retained within the first aperture and the secondinterlocking member is a retractable male member sized and shaped to bereceived and retained within the second aperture. An important aspect ofthe invention is that the connecting wall desirably comprises at leasttwo interconnecting sections which are slidable relative one anotherpermitting the horizontal span of the connecting wall to be adjusted tocorrespond to the particular width of the truck bed. Effective truck bedwidths can vary between manufacturers and vary depending on whether atruck bed protector has been installed. Advantageously, the extender'sadjustability desirably permits the identical extender to be used withmost truck beds, at least in a given size classification.

The extender may also comprise a first L-shaped section defining thefirst side wall and a first portion of the connecting wall and a secondL-shaped section defining the second side wall and a second portion ofthe connecting wall. Advantageously, these L-shaped portionssignificantly increase the strength and rigidity of the extender,enhancing its ability to withstand bumping by heavy cargo, such asmotorcycles, as well as external impact.

Yet another important aspect of the invention is at least one bucklesecured to one of the walls sized and shaped to be releasably locked tothe latch of the vehicle tailgate. Significantly, the buckle provides asupplemental attachment point which minimizes movement and vibration ofthe extender while driving and is quickly releasable by using thevehicle tailgate's own opening mechanism.

Another aspect of the invention is a truck bed extender for use with avehicle having a storage bed. The extender includes a first side wall, asecond side wall, a connecting wall, a first mount and a second mount.The connecting wall extends between the first wall and the second walland cooperates with the first wall and second wall to form a generalU-shaped frame. The first mount is secured to the first side wall andincludes a first interlocking member. The second mount is secured to thesecond wall and includes a second interlocking member. The extender issecurable to the vehicle through cooperation of the first interlockingmember and the first mounting station and the second interlocking memberand the second mounting station in a first position wherein theconnecting wall is in an upright position over the tailgate rearward ofthe rear end of the storage bed and a second position wherein theconnecting wall is in an upright position spaced forward from the rearend of the bed and the tailgate.

Yet another important aspect of the invention is a truck bed extenderfor use with a vehicle having a first side panel defining a firstforward mounting station and a first rearward mounting station, and asecond panel defining a second forward mounting station and a secondrearward mounting station, wherein the extender includes a first sidewall, a second side wall, a connecting wall, a first mount and a secondmount. The connecting wall extends between the first side wall and thesecond side wall, and cooperates with the first side wall and the secondside wall to form a generally U-shaped frame. The first mount is securedto the first side wall and includes a first interlocking member. Thesecond mount is secured to the second side wall and comprises a secondinterlocking member. The extender is securable to the vehicle throughcooperation of: (1) the first interlocking member and the first forwardstation and the second interlocking member and the second forwardstation in a first position wherein the first side wall and the secondside wall extend forward of the connecting wall and the connecting wallis in an upright position spaced rearward from the front panel, and (2)the first interlocking member and the first rearward station, and thesecond interlocking member and the second rearward station in a secondposition wherein the connecting wall is in an upright position spacedrearward from the rear end of the bed over the tailgate.

Desirably, the extender is also securable to the vehicle throughcooperation of the first interlocking member and the first rearwardstation and the second interlocking member and the second rearwardstation in a third position, wherein the connecting wall is in anupright position spaced forward from the rear end of the bed and thetailgate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of the invention will now be described inconnection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the truck bedextender of the present invention mounted on a vehicle in a firstposition.

FIG. 2 is a enlarged partial perspective view of the vehicle and truckbed extender of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of the mount of the truck bedextender of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a belt and buckle lockingdevice of the truck bed extender of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view illustrating the pivoting of thetruck bed extender of FIG. 1 from a first position (shown in phantom) toa second position.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the truck bed extender and vehicle of FIG.1 in a second position.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the truck bed extender of FIG. 1illustrating its use as a bench.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the truck bed extender and vehicle ofFIG. 1 showing the truck bed extender in a third position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The preferred embodiment of a multi-purpose apparatus or truck bedextender 11 will now be described with reference to the figures.Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the truck bed extender 11 is shown mountedon a truck 13 having a cab 15 to the rear which is a storage bed 17. Thestorage bed 17 has a front end 19 and a rear end 21. The front end 19 ofthe storage bed is defined by a front upstanding panel 23 and the sidesof the storage bed are defined by a first side upstanding panel 25 and asecond side upstanding panel 27. The first side upstanding panel 25defines a first forward station or aperture 29 and a first rearwardaperture 31 (FIG. 3), the purpose and location of which will bediscussed in greater detail below. Likewise, the second side upstandingpanel 27 defines a first forward aperture (not shown) and a secondforward aperture (not shown).

At the rear end 21 of the storage bed 17 is a tailgate 37. The tailgatehas a hinge end 39 and a distal end 41. The tailgate 37 defines a planarinner surface 43 extending between the hinge end 39 and distal end 41 ofthe tailgate. The tailgate 37 further comprises a first lock mechanism(not shown) which mates with a first latch 47 mounted on the rear end ofthe first upstanding panel 23. A tailgate 37 further includes a secondlock mechanism 49 which interlocks with a second latch (not shown)mounted on the second side upstanding panel 27. The first lock mechanismand second lock mechanism 49 are selectably releasable by means of arelease actuator (not shown) mounted at the outer surface of the distalend of the tailgate.

The truck bed extender 11 includes a frame 53 having a first side wall55, a second side wall 57 and a connecting wall 59 extending between thefirst side wall 55 and second side wall 57. The frame 53 and, therefore,the connecting wall 59 define a horizontal span H which is slightly lessthan the distance between the first side upstanding panel 25 and secondside upstanding panel 27 of the truck 13. The frame 53 is formed by afirst L-shaped section 61, a second L-shaped section 63 and a pluralityof connecting sections 65.

Both L-shaped sections 61, 63 comprise a generally L-shaped uppercross-beam 67, a generally L-shaped lower cross-beam 69 and a generallyL-shaped middle cross-beam 71. Advantageously, each cross-beam comprisesa single piece of 1.5 inch outer diameter, 0.058 inch wall thickness,6061-T6 aluminum tubing.

The cross-beams 67, 69 and 71 are advantageously connected by an outervertical strut 73, an inner vertical strut 75 and a middle verticalstrut 77. The struts 73, 75, 77 desirably extend through mating openingsin the cross-beams 67, 69, 71 and comprise one inch outer diameter,0.058 inch wall thickness, 6061-T6 aluminum tubing. The use of angledaluminum tubing provides for high strength, low weight and ease ofmanufacture.

As shown in FIG. 2, the inner strut 75 and middle strut 77 are desirablypositioned along the connecting wall 59 and the outer strut 73 isdesirably positioned along the distal end of the side wall.Advantageously, the inner strut 75 is longer than the other struts andprojects downward from the lower crossbeam 69 so as to define an innerstrut foot 79.

The first L-shaped section 61 and second L-shaped section 63 areconnected by the plurality of connecting sections 65. Specifically,there is an upper connecting section, a lower connecting section and amiddle connecting section. Desirably, the connecting sections comprise a7 inch long, 13/8 inch outer diameter, 0.058 inch wall thickness,6061-T6 aluminum tube. The connecting sections are slidable within and,desirably form a slip-fit with, the first L-shaped section 61 and secondL-shaped section 63, and are each desirably locked in place by a pair oflocking screws 87.

Approximately 5/8 inch from the outer end of each middle crossbeam 71 isa 0.328 inch diameter horizontal bore mounted over the middle crossbeam71 aligned with the bore is a mount 91 having a body 93 which defines athroughbore. The body has an annular middle portion with generallydiametrically opposed cylindrical projections corresponding to thethroughbore. The mounts 91 are secured respectively to the firstL-shaped section and second L-shaped section so that the throughboresare coaxially aligned. The mount 91 further includes a generallycylindrical male member 95 having a cone-shaped engagement end 97 and anactuating end 99. A handle 101 is threaded on the actuating end 99 andthe male member 95 is mounted for reciprocal movement within the body bya spring 103 surrounding the male member within the body 93 of themount. The precompressed spring desirably has one end biased against thebody 93 of the mount and another end which is biased against a washer105 which is secured against outward movement relative the male member95 by a C clip 107.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a buckle 109 is secured to each of the lowercrossbeams 69 by means of a strap 111. As shown in FIG. 4, the buckle109 is generally rectangular with a narrower upper portion and a widerlower portion. The buckle 109 desirably forms a pair of parallel slots113 for receiving the strap 111 and a larger opening 115 for mating withone of the lock mechanisms 49 of the vehicle.

The installation and operation of the truck bed extender 11 will now bedescribed.

When it is desired to ready a vehicle for use with the truck bedextender 11, the truck bed extender 11 can be placed in the desiredposition on the tailgate 37 so that the distal end of the first sidewall 55 and distal end of the second side wall 57 extend along the innersurface of the rear end of the first side upstanding panel 25 and thesecond side upstanding panel 27, respectively. When the truck bedextender 11 is in the desired position, its width can be adjusted bysliding the first or second L-shaped sections 61 and 63 relative theconnecting section 65 and securing it in position by means of one of thelocking screws 87. Once the extender 11 has been adjusted so that it hasthe desired horizontal span H, the handle 101 of each of the mounts 91can be pressed outward so that the engagement end 97 of the male member95 presses hard against the respective first side upstanding panel 25and second side upstanding panel 27 to mark the location for drillingthe first rearward aperture 31 and second rearward aperture 35. Thisapproach eliminates difficulties in determining the proper position ofthe apertures 31 and 35. Once the first rearward aperture 31 and secondrearward aperture 35 are drilled into the first side upstanding panel 25and second side upstanding panel 27, respectively, the truck bedextender 11 is ready for operation. Importantly, no additional bracketsor modifications are required, so that when the truck bed extender isnot in use, there are no brackets in the way, and virtually no cosmeticchange to the appearance of the truck 13.

In use, the truck bed extender is simply positioned on the tailgate 37so that the engagement ends 97 of the mounts 91 extend through therespective first rearward aperture 31 and second rearward aperture (notshown). In this position, the truck bed extender provides a strong,secure retaining device while the openings between the respectivecrossbeams and struts permit the flow of air to minimize air resistance.If it is desired to remove the truck bed extender 11, the handles 101secured to each of the male members 95 are simply pulled inward causingengagement ends 97 of the male members 95 to retract from the firstrearward aperture 31 and second rearward aperture 35 and the truck bedextender can be removed.

The truck bed extender can be further secured against undesired rotationabout the mounts 91 by means of the buckle 109 and strap 111, by simplysecuring the buckles 109 in the first lock mechanism (not shown) andsecond lock mechanism 49, respectively, of the tailgate 37.Advantageously, the buckles are configured so that they are secured inplace by the lock mechanisms and are selectably releasable by thetailgate's own release actuator.

Importantly, in the event it is desired to use the truck bed extender 11to form a rear storage compartment, as shown in FIG. 5, the truck bedextender can be quickly and easily pivoted about the coaxial malemembers 95 so that the connecting wall 59 is in a vertical positionspaced inward from the rear end 21 of the storage bed 17 and, therefore,the tailgate 37. In this position, the truck bed extender 11 provides aconvenient open upper-ended storage compartment to secure grocery bagsor other items against movement within the truck bed.

Advantageously, the truck bed extender 11 is extremely strong, but atthe same time lightweight. In addition, because its structuralconfiguration lends itself to construction with a minimum of parts, theextender can be manufactured at a relatively low cost.

Advantageously, as shown in FIG. 7, the truck bed extender provides aconvenient work or picnic bench when it is removed from the vehicle.Specifically, when the distal ends of the first side wall 55 and secondside wall 57 are placed on the ground, one or more individuals can siton the connecting wall 59.

Finally, as shown in FIG. 8, the truck bed extender 11 is also capableof forming a forward storage compartment adjacent the cab 15 of thetruck 13. Such a position is often desirable when transporting pets, dueto the proximity to the driver and the wind resistance afforded by thecab 15. If it is desired to use the truck bed extender to form such aforward storage compartment, a first forward aperture 29 and a secondforward aperture (not shown) are desirably formed in the first sideupstanding panel 25 and second side upstanding panel 27, respectively bylocating and drilling the apertures in a manner similar to that of therearward apertures 31 and 35. It is then a simple matter to place thetruck bed extender 11 in position so that the first side wall 55 andsecond side wall 57 extend forward from the connecting wall so that theconnecting wall 59 is spaced rearward from the front upstanding panel 23of the truck 13. Again, removal is easily accomplished by simply pullingthe handles 101 inward so that engagement ends 97 the male members 95are retracted within the mounts 91 so that they are withdrawn from thefirst forward aperture 29 and second forward aperture (not shown).

While the invention has been described with reference to a preferredembodiment, many variations are possible and those of skill in the artwill appreciate various modifications within the scope and spirit of theinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A truck bed extender for use with a vehiclehaving an open storage bed having a rear end, a first upstanding sidepanel to one side of said bed a second upstanding side panel to anopposite side of said bed and a tailgate, a first mounting station fixedwith respect to said first panel and a second mounting station fixedwith respect to said second panel, said apparatus comprising:a firstside wall; a second side wall; a connecting wall extending between saidfirst side wall and said second side wall, said first side wall, saidsecond side wall and said connecting wall cooperating to form agenerally U-shaped frame; a first mount secured to said first side wallcomprising a first interlocking member; and a second mount secured tosaid second side wall comprising a second interlocking member, saidfirst interlocking member and said first station, and said secondinterlocking member and said second station cooperating to secure saidapparatus to said vehicle so that said apparatus is rotatable about anaxis between a first position wherein said connecting wall is in anupright position over said tailgate rearward of said rear end of saidbed and a second position wherein said connecting wall is in an uprightposition spaced forward from said rear end of said bed, wherein saidfirst station comprises a first aperture and said second stationcomprises a second aperture, and wherein further said a firstinterlocking member is a male member sized and shaped to be received bysaid first aperture and said second interlocking member is a male membersized and shaped to be received by said second aperture, and whereinsaid first interlocking member is sized and shaped to be manuallywithdrawn from said first aperture and said second interlocking memberis sized and shaped to be manually withdrawn from said second aperturewherein further said connecting wall defines a horizontal span andcomprises at least two sections which are slidable relative one anotherpermitting said horizontal span to be adjusted.
 2. The truck bedextender of claim 1, further comprising a first L-shaped sectioncomprising said first side wall and a first portion of said connectingwall and a second L-shaped section comprising said second side wall anda second portion of said connecting wall.
 3. The truck bed extender ofclaim 2, wherein said tailgate defines a latch to secure said tailgateto one of said first upstanding side and said seemed upstanding side,said truck bed extender further comprising at least one buckle securedin one of said walls, sized and shaped to be captured by said latch ofsaid tailgate.
 4. A truck bed extender for use with a vehicle having anopen storage bed having a rear end, a first upstanding side panel to oneside of said bed, a second upstanding side panel to an opposite side ofsaid bed and a tailgate, a first mounting station fixed with respect tosaid first panel and a second mounting station fixed with respect tosaid second panel, said apparatus comprising;a first side wall; a secondside wall; a connecting wait extending between said first side wall andsaid second side wall, said first side wall, said second side wall andsaid connecting wall cooperating to form a generally U-shaped frame; afirst mount secured to said first side wall comprising a firstinterlocking member; and a second mount secured to said second side wallcomprising a second interlocking member, said first interlocking memberand said first station, and said second interlocking member and saidsecond station cooperating to secure said apparatus to said vehicle sothat said apparatus is rotatable about an axis between a first positionwherein said connecting wall is in an upright position over saidtailgate rearward of said rear end of said bed and a second positionwherein said connecting wall is in an upright position spaced forwardfrom said rear end of said bed wherein said connecting wall defines ahorizontal span which comprises at least two sections which are slidablerelative one another permitting said horizontal span to be adjusted. 5.The truck bed extender of claim 4, further comprising a first L-shapedsection comprising said first side wall and a first portion of saidconnecting wall and a second L-shaped section comprising said secondside wall and a second portion of said connecting wall.
 6. A truck bedextender for use with a vehicle having an open storage bed having a rearend, a first upstanding side panel to one side of said bed, a secondupstanding side panel to an opposite side of said bed and a tailgate, afirst mounting station fixed with respect to said first panel and asecond mounting station fixed with respect to said second panel, saidapparatus comprising:a first side wall; a second side wall; a connectingwall extending between said first side wall and said second side wall,said first side wall, said second side wall and said connecting wallcooperating to form a generally U-shaped a first mount secured to saidfirst side wall comprising a first interlocking member; and second mountsecured to said second side wall comprising, a second interlockingmember, said extender securable to said vehicle through cooperation ofsaid first interlocking member and said first station, and secondinterlocking member and said second station, in a first position whereinsaid connecting wall is in an upright position over said tailgaterearward of said rear end of said bed and a second position wherein saidconnecting wall is in an upright position spaced forward from said rearend of said bed, wherein said first station comprises a first apertureand said second station comprises a second aperture, and wherein furthersaid a first interlocking member is a male member sized and shaped to bereceived by said first aperture and said second interlocking member is amale member sized and shaped to be received by said second aperture andwherein said first interlocking member is sized and shaped to bemanually withdrawn from said first aperture and said second interlockingmember is sized and shaped to be manually withdrawn from said secondaperture, wherein further said connecting wall defines a horizontal spanand comprises at least two interconnecting sections which are slidablerelative one another permitting said horizontal span to be adjusted. 7.The truck bed extender of claim 6, further comprising a first L-shapedsection comprising said first side wall and a first portion of saidconnecting wall, and a second L-shaped section comprising said secondside wall and a second portion of said connecting wall.
 8. The truck bedextender of claim 7, wherein said tailgate defines a latch to securesaid tailgate to one of said first upstanding side and said secondupstanding side, said truck bed extender further comprising at least onebuckle secured to one of said walls, sized and shaped to be releasablycaptured by said latch of said tailgate.
 9. A truck bed extender for usewith a vehicle having an open storage bed having a rear end, a firstupstanding side panel to one side of said bed, a second upstanding sidepanel to an opposite side of said bed and a tailgate, a first mountingstation fixed with respect to said first panel and a second mountingstation fixed with respect to said second panel, said apparatuscomprising:a first side wall; a second side wall; a connecting wallextending between said first side wall and said second side wall, saidfirst side wall, said second side wall and said connecting wallcooperating to form a generally U-shaped frame; a first mount secured tosaid first side wall comprising a first interlocking member; and asecond mount secured to said second side wall comprising a secondinterlocking member, said extender securable to said vehicle throughcooperation of said first interlocking member and said first station,and said second interlocking member and said second station, in a firstposition wherein said connecting wall is in an upright position oversaid tailgate rearward of said rear end of said bed and a secondposition wherein said connecting wall is in an upright position spacedforward from said rear end of said bed, wherein said connecting walldefines a horizontal span and comprises at least two interconnectingsections which are slidable relative one another permitting saidhorizontal span to be adjusted.
 10. The truck bed extender of claim 9,further comprising a connecting section positioned between and slidablerelative said first L-shaped section and said second L-shaped section.11. A multi-purpose truck bed extender for use with a vehicle having anopen storage bed having a front end and rear end, a first upstandingside panel to one side of said bed, a second upstanding side panel to anopposite side of said bed, a front upstanding panel and a tailgate, afirst forward mounting station and a first rearward mounting stationfixed with respect to said first upstanding panel and a second forwardmounting station and a second rearward mounting station fixed withrespect to said second upstanding panel, said truck bed extendercomprising:a first side wall; a second side wall; a connecting wallextending from said first side wall to said second side wall, said firstside wall, said second side wall and said connecting wall cooperating toform a generally U-shaped frame a first mount secured to said first sidewall comprising a first interlocking member; a second mount secured tosaid second side wall comprising a second interlocking member, saidapparatus securable to said vehicle through cooperation of (1) saidfirst interlocking member and said first forward station, and saidsecond interlocking member and said second forward station, in a firstposition wherein said first side wall and second side wall extendforward of said connecting wall and said connecting wall is in anupright position spaced rearward from said front panel and forward ofsaid rear end of said bed, and (2) said first interlocking member andsaid first rearward station, and said second interlocking member andsaid second rearward station in a second position wherein saidconnecting wall is in an upright position spaced rearward from said rearend of said bed over said tailgate.
 12. The truck bed extender of claim11, wherein said first forward station comprises a first aperture andsaid second forward station comprises a second aperture, and whereinfurther said a first interlocking member is a male member sized andshaped to be received by said first aperture and said secondinterlocking member is a male member sized and shaped to be received bysaid second aperture.
 13. The truck bed extender of claim 12, whereinsaid first interlocking member is sized and shaped to be manuallywithdrawn from said first aperture and said second interlocking memberis sized and shaped to be manually withdrawn from said second aperture.14. The truck bed extender of claim 13, wherein said connecting walldefines a horizontal span and comprises at least two sections which areslidable relative one another permitting said horizontal span to beadjusted.
 15. The truck bed extender of claim 14, further comprising afirst L-shaped section comprising said first side wall and a firstportion of said connecting wall and a second L-shaped section comprisingsaid second side wall and a second portion of said connecting wall. 16.The truck bed extender of claim 15, wherein said tailgate defines alatch to secure said tailgate to one of said first upstanding side andsaid second upstanding side, said truck bed extender further comprisingat least one buckle secured to one of said walls, sized and shaped to bereleasably captured by said latch of said tailgate.
 17. The truck bedextender of claim 11, wherein said connecting wall defines a horizontalspan and comprises at least two sections which are slidable relative oneanother permitting said horizontal span to be adjusted.
 18. The truckbed extender of claim 11, wherein said extender is securable to saidvehicle through cooperation of said first interlocking member and saidfirst rearward station, and said second interlocking member and saidsecond rearward station, in a third position wherein said first sidewall and said second side wall extend rearward of said connecting walland said connecting wall is in an upright position spaced forward fromsaid rear end of said bed.
 19. The truck bed extender of claim 18,wherein said connecting wall defines a horizontal span and comprises atleast two sections which are slidable relative one another permittingsaid horizontal span to be adjusted.
 20. A truck bed extender for usewith a vehicle having an open storage bed having a rear end, a firstupstanding side panel to one side of said bed, a second upstanding sidepanel to an opposite side of said bed and a tailgate, a first mountingstation fixed with respect to said first upstanding panel defining afirst station surface, a second mounting station fixed with respect tosaid second upstanding panel defining a second station surface, saidapparatus comprising:a first side wall; a second side wall; a connectingwall extending between said first side wall and said second side wall,said first side wall, said second side wall and said connecting wallcooperating to form a generally U-shaped frame; a first mount secured tosaid first side wall comprising a first interlocking member defining afirst pivot surface; and a second mount secured to said second side wallcomprising a second interlocking member defining a second pivot surface,said first station surface and said first pivot surface, and said secondstation surface and said second pivot surface cooperating to secure saidapparatus to said vehicle so that said apparatus is rotatable about anaxis between a first position wherein said connecting wall is in anupright position over said tailgate rearward of said rear end of saidbed and a second position wherein said connecting wall is in an uprightposition spaced forward from said rear end of said bed, and wherein oneof said first station surface and said first pivot surface defines afirst opening through which the other of said first station surface andsaid first pivot surface can be manually withdrawn to disengage saidextender from said first panel and one of said second station surfaceand said second pivot surface defines a second opening through which theother of said second station surface and said second pivot surface canbe manually withdrawn to disengage said extender from said second panel,wherein said tailgate defines a latch to secure said tailgate to one ofsaid first upstanding side and said second upstanding side, said truckbed extender further comprising at least one buckle secured to one ofsaid walls, sized and shaped to be releasably captured by said latch ofsaid tailgate.
 21. The truck bed extender of claim 20, wherein saidconnecting wall defines a horizontal span and comprises at least twosections which are slidable relative one another permitting saidhorizontal span to be adjusted.
 22. The truck bed extender of claim 20,further comprising a first L-shaped section comprising said first sidewall and a first portion of said connecting wall and a second L-shapedsection comprising said second side wall and a second portion of saidconnecting wall.